Read Online The Pack Rules 3: Ruled by the Alpha (Werewolf Romance Serial) by Michele Bardsley - Free Book Online Page A

Arabelle Burke ,” I said. I was tired of everyone discussing me as though I weren’t in the room. “I assume you’ll need my legal name for any forthcoming proceedings.” I felt utterly self-conscious, but I would not be railroaded—especially not by the likes of Neela. She didn’t like me correcting her, but for heaven’s sake the woman didn’t like anything about me, the least of all which I was mated to the man she wanted. Hmph! No conflict of interest there! “In case anyone was wondering, I didn’t kill this Murdock fellow.” I blew out a sigh. “Am I allowed to have a lawyer?”
    “An advocate,” said Grey. He glanced at Colt, who nodded.
    “I’ll be your advocate.” Colt offered a grim smile. “We’ll get you through this, Belle.”
    “Thank you.” I stared at Neela until she frowned. She wouldn’t look away, not like she had with Grey, but I think she realized I wasn’t going to be cowed by her. “I would like a moment alone to dress and say good-bye to my husband.”
    “I don’t—”
    “Of course.” Aunt Lila cut off Neela’s protest with a firmness that surprised the enforcer. The look of steel in Aunt Lila’s gaze brooked no argument, either. Neela conceded with a sharp nod. She’d won, after all. I was going with her—right to werewolf jail.
    “Five minutes.” With that snotty declaration, Neela strode out of the den, followed by Aunt Lila and Colt, who shut the door behind him.
    I slid out of bed and picked up my clothing from the floor. I cast my eyes down, unwilling to meet Grey’s gaze. I was unaccountably disappointed that he had not stood up for me. It would’ve been quite a thrill to see him toss Neela out on her perfect ass. That’s enough of that, Belle. I would fight my own battles. God had given me a brain, and I was going to use it to get myself out of this mess.
    Even though I didn’t really want to get dressed in front of him, especially since I could feel the heat of his stare on me, I did it anyway. My hands shook and my heart thumped and I felt dizzy, but I managed to put on everything including my shoes.
    “Do you have my purse?” I asked.
    “Arabelle.”
    My name sounded like penance, so I lifted my head and met his gaze.
    “The pack operates with a strict order. Our laws are immutable. It’s how we function as a society, how we keep the peace in our community. If the enforcer leader brings an accusation—it’s the only instance she can override my authority.”
    “Honor and duty to the pack,” I said. “ I understand.”
    He studied my face and frowned. “You understand, but you’re disappointed in me.” He seemed perplexed. “You shouldn’t be.”
    “ Why not?”
    Grey was taken aback by the question.
    “In a human marriage,” I explained, “a wife expects support from her husband.”
    “ I’m the alpha. The pack relies on me to hold closest to our laws, to keep the purest approach to our ways of life. There aren’t individuals in the pack. We all work together for the common good.”
    “ I understand that, too. I just need you tell me…What am I, exactly?” I asked. My tone held no hostility, only curiosity. “I’ll need your specific definition of wife—or mate. I have every intention of performing my duties.”
    “I don’t want a robot, Arabelle. I expect you to contribute in many ways. You’re strong and passionate and smart.” He moved forward and put his hands on my shoulders. “I don’t want you to shut off any part of yourself from me.”
    I inhaled a steadying breath. “ All right. But my feelings are my own. I won’t bellyache about my lot in life, and I’ll follow the pack rules, but I get to feel anyway I want.”
    “ Of course.” He leaned down and kissed my forehead. “I won’t let you down, Arabelle. I’ll do everything possible to clear your name and find out the truth about Murdock’s murder.”
    You and me both. My heart dropped to my stomach. I couldn’t believe I was getting locked up for